Winter Break - Laughlin, Nevada, Winterbreak

4,000 SENIORS RE-LIVE MEMORIES AT LAUGHLIN'S WINTER BREAK 2005
— Senior Event Celebrates "Living Life To Its Fullest" —

(LAUGHLIN, NEVADA) — Almost 4,000 seniors flocked to Laughlin, Nevada along the banks of the Colorado River from January 7-12, 2005 for the third annual Winter Break. Modeled after the college kids' "Spring Break" experience, Winter Break offered non-stop fun and activities for the 50+ age group.

"I was thrilled to welcome nearly 600 Canadians to this year's festivities in Laughlin," said Sue Arko, Festival Producer, Winter Break. "We had many repeat visitors coming down from Canada, but there was also had a substantial crowd of Canadian newcomers, thanks to the tours offered by Anderson Tours and Hanover Holidays."

"What I love about this Laughlin festival is that it offers so many different activities besides gambling," said Mary Hebert, a senior attendee from Edmonton, Alberta. "This year I particularly enjoyed the wine tasting, Native American art exhibits and, of course, witnessing the Polar Bear Dip in the Colorado River!"

This year rain was a factor at the Polar Bear Dip, normally one of the more popular events of the week. In spite of the weather, one brave senior from Canada plunged from Harrah's private beach into the frigid Colorado River. Many others cheered him on from the beach.

Winter Break got off to a roaring start with the Classic Car Show Cruisin' Through the Years. The trophy for the Best Rock and Roll Muscle Car was awarded at the sock hop to Russ and Paula Lindenlaub for their 1955 Oldsmobile. All participants cruised along Casino Drive as part of the Winter Break festivities.

Monday's highlight was a Spirit Trek down Casino Drive, featuring the 2004 Homecoming Queen, Suzanne Myers and Ms. Senior Arizona, Herme Sherry in a float which led the way for more than 100 Red Hat Trekkers. "Pretty Woman" blared from the speakers as the "Young at Heart" Red Hatters frolicked along the parade route. Joining the Red Hatters were the Happy & Free Spirited Canadians (a group from Western Canada), and the Leisure World Zoomers, a club for "future seniors".

Jan Rittmaster was named Homecoming Queen of the event and received a contract to perform at a theater in Branson, MO. New this year, the Homecoming King title was awarded to Ron Harrington. Ten other talented and community service oriented senior men and women competed in the contest.

Festival goers attempted to create the world's longest chorus outside the Ramada Express on Casino Drive. The Las Vegas-based Silver Sensations organized the 200-plus person kick line proving seniors are only as young as they feel! The Silver Sensations also highlighted the Timeless Entertainment Variety Show which played to a full house at the Flamingo Showroom.

The town's namesake, Don Laughlin attended the Senior Prom held at the Riverside. Many guests dressed in tuxes and prom dresses danced the night away to the sounds of John Noxom's Big Band.

Some of the week's other events included wine tasting, health and education seminars, and cooking demonstrations from the resort destination's top chefs. Many Winter Break participants also joined day fun-filled trips to Lake Havasu, Route 66 and Oatman, Arizona.. Other favorite activities included country, ballroom, square and belly dancing, tai chi and a singles coffee hour.

Winter Break is held annually in Laughlin, Nevada. Located 145 kilometres south of Las Vegas, Laughlin offers visitors a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This city by the river has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations, 24-hour casino gaming, gourmet dining and outlet shopping. Laughlin, a unique resort destination that welcomes more than 4 million visitors annually, has also become one of the leading special event destinations in the Southwest. From world-class bull riding action to daring truck racing in the rugged desert to dragonboat racing on the Colorado River, Laughlin has plenty to offer the adventurous spectator.